City of Reedley General Plan 2030

2.0 INTRODUCTION
Chapter Two
Land Use Element
California Government Code Section 65302(a) requires that a land use element of the General
Plan include; and more specifically, mandates that the element address the following:
“... the proposed general distribution and general location and extent of the uses
of the land for housing, business, industry, open space, including agriculture,
natural resources, recreation, and enjoyment of scenic beauty, education, public
buildings and grounds, solid and liquid waste disposal facilities, and other
categories of public and private uses of land. The Land Use Element shall
include a statement of the standards of population density and building intensity
recommended for the various districts and other territory covered by the plan.”
The development of land is generally a benefit of property ownership; however, it can create
competing interests if improperly planned or developed. Reedley’s past and present economic
base is closely tied to agriculture. The loss of prime agricultural land to intensive development
could adversely affect Reedley’s agricultural ties and economic base. Improper planned
growth patterns could: (a) strain the City’s ability to provide necessary infrastructure and
services; (b) inadvertently allow inconsistent, conflicting and/or competing land use patterns;
and (c) result in improper development of flood prone areas where soil or geologic conditions
pose severe limitations to orderly development.
The Land Use Element evaluates and anticipates Reedley’s growth and describes a pattern of
development within the City and the larger proposed Planning Area. The Element establishes
urban development goals, policies and land use patterns which seek to maximize orderly
development, while minimizing potential competing interests and adverse impacts of
development on the local economy and physical environment.
The Land Use Element is viewed as one of the core elements of the General Plan and is
frequently the most referenced element. The General Plan Land Use Map designates land
uses on a parcel by parcel basis for all lands within the City and Sphere of Influence. The Land
Use Map also depicts the community’s intended physical form and areas for future growth.
Incorporated into this General Plan 2030 Update are three previously adopted specific plans;
the 2001 Reedley Specific Plan, the 1985 Southeast Industrial Area Specific Plan, and the
2002 Rail Corridor Master Plan. These plans will be repealed as part of adoption of the
General Plan 2030 Update.
City of Reedley, General Plan 2030 Page 17